Freida Mearldine McNeal

Mrs. Freida Mearldine McNeal, age 88, passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. She was born to the late Josie Sexton James on February 24, 1937 in Gainesville, Georgia.
Merle was a loving, faithful pastor's wife and served beside him during James' ministry. Merle and James were married 74 years on June 28 1951. Her smile was what most people noticed and willingly shared it with everyone especially when she was visited by her family and close friends. She will be sorely missed by those who knew her best. Thankfully she is no longer in pain and is whole again.
Merle was retired from Hall County School System as a bus driver and dietician at Chestnut Mountain Elementary, Spout Springs Elementary, and Davis Middle School.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 12:00 PM in the Chapel at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Reverend Earl Pirkle will officiate the service. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends on Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Memorial Park Funeral Home.
Mrs. McNeal is preceded in death by her mother, husband, Rev. James E. McNeal; son, Donald McNeal; granddaughter, Heather McNeal; grandsons, Daniel McNeal, Benjamin McNeal; brothers, Rev. Emory James, Kenneth James; sister, Jeanette Fields; daughter-in-law's, Vicki Siniard McNeal & Elizabeth Cunningham McNeal.
She is survived by her sons, Ronald (Wanda) McNeal of Thomson, Ga, Josh (Gilli) McNeal of Flowery Branch, Ga; daughters, Teresa (Larry) Cross of Buford, Ga, Pam (Tony) Patterson of Flowery Branch, Ga; daughter-in-law, Paula McNeal of Cartersville, Ga; grandchildren, Lara (Blake) Wayne of Braselton, Ga, Kayla (Joey) Williams of Chelsea, Al, Rauston McNeal of Flowery Branch, Ga, Sidda McNeal of Flowery Branch, Ga; great-grandchildren, Raeann Williams of Chelsea, Al, Charleigh Williams of Chelsea, Al, Maela Wayne of Braselton, Ga, Isla James Wayne of Braselton, Ga; brother, Lamar (Martha) James of Flowery Branch, GA; sister-in-law's, Mary Ann Gibbs of Gainesville, Ga, Evelyn McGehee of Gainesville, Ga, brother-in-law, Doug (Joyce) McNeal of Clermont, Ga; several nieces & nephews; special family friends, Donna Graham & Jill Corbin.
A special thank you to Longstreet Clinic House Calls, Paige Owens, NP & Melissa Duran. Inspire Hospice & Palliative Care, Waypoint Senior Living Caregivers & staff.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Drive, Gainesville, Georgia 30504 is in charge of the arrangements.
Send online condolences to memorialparkfuneralhomes.com
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